What You Need to Know About CBD For Pets

Did you know 54% of American households include pets? For pet owners, our furry friends aren’t roommates. They are our most beloved and trusted companions.

Why then wouldn’t you want to make sure your best friend lives its best possible life? The only way to ensure a pet’s long and healthy life is a solid pet care routine, and that routine must include the best products.

Do you know how CBD can take your pet care above and beyond? Read on to learn how to use CBD to help your best friend live their best life.

About CBD For Pets

What is CBD?

Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a prevalent compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is also present in the hemp plant, the legal cousin of cannabis. Most CBD products available for purchase in-store are hemp rather than cannabis due to their legal status.

If you’re unsure, it’s vital to remember that pet products containing CBD aren’t like cannabis for pets. CBD products must have less than 0.3% THC to be legal. THC is the intoxicating chemical compound found in marijuana.

How Can CBD Help?

It’s hard to remember sometimes that your pets are individuals. It’s all too easy to think of them as an extension of you and your personality because they rely on you.

Pets like cats and dogs have their personality quirks, fears, anxieties, and pains. The pain is the most troubling for a pet owner, especially as our beloved companions grow older. CBD shows promise in helping alleviate many of these conditions.

Anxiety in Pets

There’s some evidence suggesting CBD helps humans regulate their anxiety. Many users claim CBD produces a calm feeling of well-being.

CBD may also help with the following symptoms of dog anxiety:

  • Aggression
  • Urinating and defecating indoors
  • Destructive behavior
  • Excess barking and pacing
  • Extreme panting

Anxiety shows in dogs due to separation, fear, and age. If you or someone you know suffers from severe anxiety, you know how damaging it can be for life quality. The same is true for your dog.

About CBD For Pets

Chronic Pain and Osteoarthritis

Aside from mental health, humans use CBD for its anti-inflammatory properties. Topical, edible, and sublingual forms of CBD all show promise as a pain reliever.

Like humans, pet bodies face significant wear and tear as they age. Unless your pet receives a specific diagnosis, it’s almost impossible to tell how much discomfort an aging pet experiences every day. CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation.

A 2018 Cornell University study found that CBD relieved canine osteoarthritis pain and helped suffering pets regain a wide range of mobility.

How to Give Your Pet CBD

CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is a series of receptors that help regulate vital bodily functions like sleep, appetite, mood, and pain perception. Dogs and cats also have a complex endocannabinoid system that interacts with CBD.

CBD meant for human consumption comes in many forms like gummy candy, oils, and smokeable hemp flowers. You also have a wide array of options to administer CBD to your pets. You know pets can be picky, so experimentation with all these different forms will be vital for success.

Treats

Treats are an easy way to administer CBD to your furry friends. You can buy already infused treats or make your own CBD cat treats with homemade oil.

All you have to do is find the correct dose for your cat or dog and drop the oil on a tasty treat. Make sure to use a porous treat so that the oil has a chance to seep in.

Oral Oil Application

The oral method is simple, but your pet may not tolerate it. Open your dog’s mouth and administer the oil dose with a dropper.

Cat owners may want to steer away from this method as cats aren’t as amenable to having their mouths opened.

Should your pet tolerate this method, keep using it. Direct oral application of CBD oil is the most effective.

Mix With Pet Food

Some of the best pet care tips involve putting various oils in their food. Dogs and cats both benefit from the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. Flaxseed oil contains dietary fiber to keep your pet’s digestive system working.

You can administer CBD oil the same way by mixing a dose with their wet food.

Pet CBD Risks

If you’re thinking about giving CBD to your pets, you have to know that no CBD products are FDA approved. There is little research available on its efficacy and side effects.

Potential risk doesn’t mean you should avoid using CBD to help your pet’s symptoms. Discuss CBD pet products with your veterinarian first, and make an informed judgment based on the symptoms.

As with any new medication, pet owners must keep a watchful eye when starting. Look for these possible side effects:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Wobbly legs due to blood pressure drop
  • Vomiting

Dosage is crucial when starting CBD treatment for your dog or cat. Make sure to start slow and low before increasing the dosage. This way, you can monitor your pet for any unintended effects or reactions that may require medical attention.

Take Pet Care to the Next Level

About CBD For Pets

Pets like dogs and cats hold a special place in the hearts of many Americans. They’re your most trusted friends and companions. Because of this, pet care takes priority.

You want your furry friend to live a long, healthy life free of pain and anxiety. CBD may help them do it. Talk to your vet today about what CBD can offer your most cherished buddy, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Do you need more pet wellness news? Make sure to check out the rest of our page.